Ion Storm Implodes?

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Warren Spector may have left the building.

By David Adams

Rumors are rampant this morning from multiple sources that 20 to 25 employees have left Austin-based developer Ion Storm, home of renowned titles like Deus Ex and Thief: Deadly Shadows. Further, it is reported that the developer's creative leader, Warren Spector, is among those leaving the company.

The losses come just days after Thief: Deadly Shadows, the third game in the foundational stealth-action series, hit store shelves and garnered favorable reviews.

Ion Storm is owned by publisher and developer Eidos, Inc.

We reached an Eidos representative who clarified that the staff reduction came with the end of development cycles. "Both Ion games have been completed and those who were hires specifically for those titles are now finished."

What of Warren Spector leaving? "Ah rumors... well that sounds like a good one... but it is just a rumor," said the representative. "He certainly has not been laid off."

We have yet to reach an Ion Storm representative for comment. Stay tuned for updates.